Radiology facility is flourishing
A MILLION-dollar expansion shows Rockhampton Regional Radiology is one of many local health-care services flourishing in the booming industry.
Analysis released by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland yesterday showed health care and social assistance businesses had surged by 19% over the past two years in Central Queensland.
Dr Geoff Clark said the addition of three new machines and four more staff to their Aquatic Place centre meant business would only increase.
"People from as far west as Emerald and Blackwater, from Gladstone and Rockhampton and the surrounding areas come and see us," Dr Clark said.
"We offer comprehensive medical diagnostic and medical imaging services."
The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show clients from across Central Queensland are not just keeping health services busy, there has been a 29% increase in administrative and support services, and a 6% rise in financial and insurance services.
But the news wasn't all positive, with CQ experiencing a decline in the past year in wholesale trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing and manufacturing.
The CCIQ said the results highlighted the positive outcome of the region's mining boom, while certain industries painted a different picture.
CCIQ CEO Stephen Tait expressed his concern about the viability of many businesses with the new carbon tax, increases in minimum wages, electricity price rises, and workers' compensation premiums.
But Mr Tait said there was clearly a renewed sense of business optimism associated with the Newman Government.
